It’s the only team to beat the Patriots this year, and after Thursday’s 23-0 slam of St. David’s School marked Parrott’s fourth straight shutout — six on the season — the guys can use some competition.

“This particular week, the teams we’ve played have not been as strong,” APA coach Steve Bryant said following the game, which was called after just one and a half innings at Grainger Stadium.

“They’ve been young, and their pitching hasn’t been real strong,” Bryant said. “Next week, we’ve got two of the better teams in Halifax and Rocky Mount. We’re looking forward to getting another shot at them.”

In the last four games, the Patriots (7-1) have scored 72 runs to their opponents’ zero.

After Cameron Langston threw a quick three and out to start Thursday’s game against SDS, Parrott exploded for 23 runs off 11 hits in the home half of the first inning.

Parrott faced three different pitchers, the first having six walks and two hit by pitches in 2/3 of the frame.

The Patriots would pound out nine more hits, including four doubles — three in a row at one point, before Michael Jordan’s fly out to right field ended the mayhem.

Bryant and SDS coach Chris Keown exchanged dialogue at home plate after the thrashing, and Keown decided he wanted his kids to hit one more inning.

St. David’s managed a hit, but only three batters stepped up before APA’s defense ended the contest.

Langston got the win.

Parrott players worked out after the game was called to stay loose since they had Friday off.

“It’s hard for them to stay focused sometimes in games like that,” Bryant said. “We try to find everyone something they can work on, whether it’s at bat or running bases or in the field, something they’re focusing on to work on to improve their skill in the game.”

Sophomore Zacchaeus Rasberry took advantage of a generous strike zone to lead Parrott’s offense, going 4-of-4 with a double and two RBI. The leadoff hitter stole back-to-back bases to ignite the game-deciding frame.

“In games like this, the umpire starts to widen out the strike zone a little bit,” Rasberry said, “so anything close, you’ve got to be ready to swing the bat.”

Alex Henderson (1-of-1, four RBI), Langston (1-of-2 four RBI) and McLean Piner (2-of-2, two RBI) each recorded a double.

SDA’s Johnson, who was 1-of-1, collected the Warriors’ lone hit.

The Patriots host Halifax at Grainger Tuesday.

Jessika Morgan can be reached at 252-559-1078 and Jessika.Morgan@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessikaMorgan.